What Karthik says about the Master’s Programme in Nanoscience

Karthik from India

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your educational background?
"All through middle school and high school, I was always fascinated by the research conducted in the area of nanoelectronic devices. I knew that I wanted to someday do my own research work in this area. I did my Bachelor’s degree Electronics and Communication Engineering in India, and chose as many courses as I could related to VLSI and nanoelectronic devices."

Why did you choose Lund University and why did this particular programme appeal to you?
"The Master’s programme in Nanoscience at Lund University perfectly aligns with what I wish to study. I admire the advances made by the university in the field of III-V nanowires for electronic applications. The fact that the Lund Nano Lab was able to build such advanced devices makes me immensely excited. Some courses even require the student to study different processing methods and actually fabricate their own device. Further, I knew this programme would allow me to equip myself with advanced skills which will help me realise my goal to pursue a PhD programme."

What do you think of the teaching style and the way of studying here? What are the lecturers and professors like?
"I have really liked the teaching style and way of studying here. The professors are often very approachable and very accommodating towards any doubts one might have in class. Students are often encouraged to work together in small groups when solving problems. This also helps us become better at working together and clarifying our concepts."

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies so far?
"One of the main contributing factors for me to choose the Master’s programme in Nanoscience at Lund University is the amount of time one gets to spend in the cleanroom (Lund Nano Lab). I got to fabricate and measure a MOSFET in my very first course. I genuinely felt like a little kid in a large candy shop when I was in the cleanroom and it was a great learning experience."

What it is like to be an international student at Lund University and how international is your programme?
"It has been a very pleasant experience being an international student at Lund University so far. All the professors and local students I have come across have always been very helpful and the programme is full of international students."

What is studying in Sweden like compared to studying in your country/other countries you studied in?
"Studying in Sweden is completely different to what I was familiar with in India. The way the semesters are divided into study periods here may take some time to get used to. The lectures definitely move at a fast pace here. However, it is extremely evident that the goal here is for the student to learn something from their studies and not just be able to pass an exam at the end of every study period."

What are you planning to do after your studies?
"I plan to pursue a PhD programme in nanoelectronic devices once I’m done with my Master’s. I am certain that this programme will equip me with the advanced skills required to realise this goal."